Abstract: The present disclosure provides tobacco Nic1b locus and associated genes. Also provided are tobacco plants with altered total alkaloid and nicotine levels and commercially acceptable leaf grade, their development via breeding or transgenic approaches, and production of tobacco products from these tobacco plants. Further provided are compositions and methods for producing tobacco plants having novel mutations or alleles to reduce nicotine levels. Further provided are sequence polymorphisms and molecular markers for breeding tobacco with reduced nicotine or alkaloids while maintaining tobacco leaf grade and tobacco product quality.

Abstract: A method using material such as plastic or any other fluid-proof, easily cleaned, and hygienic material to create a vessel to contain particulate litter or other means for the collection, management, and disposal of pet excrement. An upper vessel resting atop the lower to contain and conceal the contents of the lower vessel. A vertical flange or skirt extending from the bottom of the upper vessel far enough into the lower vessel to shield the sites where these vessels abut in order to contain feline urinary spray or other waste. Said downward flange or skirt to markedly reduce internal surfaces requiring cleansing and prevents the need for cleaning outside the vessels.

Abstract: A pet cage including a cage body, wherein a door frame is fixed to the cage body, and the door frame is provided with a feed port therein. The pet cage further comprises a door plate, the door plate is connected to the door frame through a slidable turnover device, which enables the door plate to be turned over and opened after sliding a certain distance relative to the door frame. The feed port is latched with a feeding device. It is more convenient in opening the door plate by using the slidable turnover device; moreover, the feeding device is latched in the feed port by way of clamping, so that the feeding device is installed securely, and it is more convenient in access of the feeding device.

Abstract: An electrified feeder assembly includes a hopper, an actuator assembly, a motor, and at least one power supply. The hopper is configured to hold a quantity of feed wherein the feed is gravity fed downward through a feed tube. The actuator assembly is coupled to the hopper and is configured to selectively disperse feed when powered by the power supply. The motor receives power from the power supply and selectively spins the actuator assembly at a selected speed to open and close the feed tube. The speed of rotation induces a centrifugal force which opens the feed tube by translating the position of a portion of the actuator assembly. The feed exits the hopper through the feed tube and is dispersed through contact with the rotating actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is partially and temporarily electrified when manipulated in a closed position.

Abstract: An animal farm system in a includes a barn, animal related structures within the barn, such as a feeding alley and/or a milking system, and an autonomous vehicle arranged to perform an animal related action and move about in the barn. The vehicle includes a control unit to move the vehicle about, a position determining system for determining a position of the vehicle in the barn, a sensor system to determine a value of a parameter related to a position of the vehicle with respect to the barn or an object therein, such as the at least one structure therein, and a vehicle communication device. The control unit further is arranged to contain barn map information, and receive motion control and navigation information via the vehicle communication device.

Abstract: A system that incorporates spraying logic onto a sensor mat to detect and apply various liquids onto the feet of an animal. Each sensor in the sensor mat actuates at least one predetermined spray nozzle application of the medicinal fluid. The system is designed so that each hoof triggers at least two sensors, with each sensor activating at least one spray nozzle. All of the electronic components are located away from the mat and a controller control spraying and timing. Stop bars prevent the mat from compressing beyond a predetermined distance to prevent sensor failure. The sensors have a triple moisture prevention configuration.

Abstract: Provided is a livestock body protective material that includes (A) an emulsion obtained by dispersing a rubber-based macromolecule serving as a dispersoid in a dispersion medium including water as the main component, and (B) a coagulant blended according to need, and that is used to form a protective film for protecting a livestock's sick/injured area.

Abstract: Protective boots for protecting a portion of a leg of a horse, such as the shin or ankle, are provided which include a protective element suitable for surrounding at least partially the leg portion, and fastening elements suitable for connecting two opposite sides of the protective element so as to tightly secure the protective element to the leg portion. The fastening elements can include at least one strap having a proximal portion secured to one of the opposite sides and at least one distal portion, and at least one rigid attachment element integral to the other of the opposite sides. The straps can be made as a single body of elastic material.

Abstract: A system for training animals includes a hand-held device and a remote device, where the remote device applies a stimulus when a user presses a button or trigger on the hand-held device. The amount of pressure applied is measured by a pressure sensitive transducer and transformed into proportional transducer signals. These transducer signals are transmitted to the remote device, which then applies a stimulus to an animal being trained. The amplitude of the applied stimulus corresponds to the amplitude of the transducer signals; a trainer can thus precisely control the intensity of the stimulus by applying and relieving pressure on the button. The type of stimulus applied is controlled based on the position of a rotary switch on the hand-held device. Sensor data generated by specialized sensors in the remote device may be transmitted to the hand-held device to provide the user with sensory feedback.

Abstract: An assembled pet toy device includes a base, a post assembly and a plurality of lateral cylinders. The base includes a plurality of first plates are stacked one upon another, and the post assembly is disposed on a top surface of the base. The post assembly includes a plurality of first assemblies and a plurality of second assemblies. The plurality of first assemblies includes a plurality of second plates, and the plurality of second assemblies includes a plurality of third plates. The plurality of lateral cylinders is disposed on a side surface of the plurality of second assemblies, and the plurality of lateral cylinders includes a plurality of fourth plates stacked one upon another. The first plates, the second plates, the third plates and the fourth plates are respectively corrugated paper plates.

Abstract: A pole-based pet entertainment apparatus comprising a pole with a first end and a second end, with the first end comprising an end cap. The pole comprises at least two grip panels interposed between the first end and the second end. The end cap comprises a cable hoop ring having back and forth movement over the end cap from side-to-side of the pole. A swivel attachment attaches a cable to the cable hoop ring, with the cable comprising a terminating attachment interface with an attached pet toy opposite from the cable hoop ring.

Abstract: An adjustable dog collar with a breadth that is placed around necks of dogs and has a ladder lock buckle thereof positioned right under their jaws. The collar further has a first and second straps, each has an adjustable diameter to ensure the dog collar would not slip down from the necks of dogs and would not be tightened unlimitedly. Thereby the dog collar prevents suffocation and tracheary injuries of dogs and enables easier control of dogs with less strength needed from the dog owners.

Abstract: An artificial feeding system for maintenance and growth of hematophagous insects is disclosed to comprise a blood-free diet formulation and a feeding device. The blood-free diet formulation comprises effective amounts of a protein source and a carbohydrate source, wherein the blood-free diet formulation is suitable for egg production and colony maintenance of hematophagous insects. The feeding device comprises a diet reservoir for receiving the blood-free diet formulation and a feeding platform for hematophagous insects to feed the blood-free diet formation from the diet reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover for a poultry container for holding live poultry, comprising: two substantially parallel guides; plural longitudinal supports, on opposite sides moveable connected to the guides; a flexible cover sheet, connected to the longitudinal supports; wherein the parallel guides are provided with preferred holding locations for preferred positioning of the longitudinal supports onto the guides. The invention also relates to a poultry container including such a cover as well as to a poultry container assembly of plural stacked poultry containers.

Abstract: To produce chicks from hatching eggs, the eggs are incubated in a hatcher incubator. After hatching, chicks of lesser quality are screened out, and the remaining chicks are transferred to a poultry barn. During the first week in the barn, a number of chicks are lost. When the loss rate exceeds a certain value, treatment with antibiotics is usually applied. Methods and compositions for reducing the loss rate during the first week and thus the number of antibiotic treatments are disclosed. The methods include providing in the air of the hatcher incubator at least during a final stage of the incubation and hatching of the eggs in the hatcher incubator, an active amount of a pheromone composition with the appeasing effect of the mother hen pheromone. The pheromone composition can be applied in the hatcher incubator at a specific height in the form of a formulation.

Abstract: A beehive frame contains a perimeter frame for supporting a foundation sheet. One or both sides of the perimeter framework is/are adapted to provide a foundation on which bees build honeycomb. In one embodiment, the perimeter frame contains apertures or depressions in one or both sides of the perimeter frame. The apertures or depressions each have a dimension similar to or the same as a dimension of a natural honeycomb cell, so that the side or sides of the frame provides a foundation for the bees to build honeycomb. The frame increases yield and is resistant to small hive beetles.

Abstract: A fishing lure comprising: i) a body segment; ii) a tail segment; iii) a linkage for coupling the body segment and the tail segment; iv) a first magnet coupled to the body segment; and v) a second magnet coupled to the tail segment. The first and second magnets are set up in a state of repulsion in order to move the body segment and tail segment apart. The linkage is adjustable in length in order to increase or decrease the force of repulsion between the first and second magnets.

Abstract: A device for connecting a lure to a fishing line, the device includes a main shaft having a line attachment end and a lure holding end. A line holding element is provided at the line attachment end and a lure holding loop is provided at the lure holding end. The device further includes various other components to improve lure retention without impairing lure movement. These other components include one or more from the group of a retaining loop, three or more resistance points, a zigzag structure and a reverse direction terminating segment.

Abstract: A wearable device for measuring lobsters includes a metal band encapsulated within a flexible coating to form an elongated body, and a slot defined within the elongated body by a first corner and a spaced apart second corner along a bottom side of the elongated body. The first corner and the second corner extend inwards from the bottom side and into the elongated body, and the first corner and the second corner are spaced apart from each other a distance corresponding to a pre-determined length of a carapace of a lobster. In addition, a cross section of the metal band switches from convex to concave upon changing from a flat position to a curled position when slapped across a wrist or other object.

Abstract: The fish handling stand is mounted to the lid of a cooling box by forming a large aperture in the middle portion of the lid. The fish handling stand includes a large diameter tubular wall having an upper opening, an upper edge, a lower opening, and a lower edge. The tubular wall defines an inner cavity therewithin. The lower edge includes a mounting device for the lid adjacent the periphery of the lid aperture. The upper edge includes generally oppositely formed seats for a pin holder. The seats in the embodiment are U-shaped cut-outs for receiving and seating opposite ends or end portions of the pin holder thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an equipment for attracting, capturing, counting and monitoring flying insects of all species and is particularly applicable to those which cause damage to agricultural crops and are considered to be hazardous to public health and comprises a Ultra Violet lamp (7) in the colorless plastic ring (6) and a pheromone reservoir (8). The plate with the insect inlet channels (2) houses the Infra-Red sensors (4) and the photographic camera (3), which in turn is housed in a sealed housing (5). The upper part which fits in turn in the previously said watertight housing, houses the photovoltaic panel (1), the microprocessor (13), the Global Position System GPS receiver (10), the Global System for Mobile signal transmitter and receiver module (12), and the Wireless Fidelity—WIFI (14) transmitter and receiver module, a rechargeable battery (11) and a micro USB socket (9).

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of nozzle assemblies connected in fluid communication with a fluid supply line, a plurality of electrically actuated valve assemblies to control fluid flow through the nozzle assemblies, and a controller communicatively connected to the valve assemblies and configured to control at least one operating parameter of each valve assembly. A portable electronic device is connected in communication with the controller, and is configured to display an image including at least a portion of the system and a target, and to receive a user input that identifies a location and/or an orientation of each of the plurality of nozzle assemblies on the image. At least one of the controller and the portable electronic device is configured to determine the at least one operating parameter based on an overlap amount between a spray path projection of each nozzle assembly and the target in the image.

Abstract: An agricultural multi-row sprayer system is provided having a chassis, a tank coupled to the chassis to accommodate a sprayable mixture to be applied to rows of a crop, a first sprayer arrangement coupled to the chassis and arranged to spray the mixture from a first interrow area located between a set of adjacent rows of the crop, and a second sprayer arrangement coupled to the chassis and selectively deployable to spray the mixture from a second interrow area located between an overlapping set of adjacent rows of the crop. The sprayer system may include a linkage arrangement having a distal end that supports the second sprayer arrangement and an input link movably coupled to the chassis, which is controllably manipulable to selectively deploy the second sprayer arrangement to the second interrow area.

Abstract: Methods for providing compositions to corn fields prior to harvesting are provided herein. These methods provide an extended time period for the use of lower height or standard height farm equipment in-season in corn fields, while reducing the risk of damage to the corn plants. These methods also allow for late season access with lower height or standard height farm equipment, while reducing the risk of damage to the corn plants.

Abstract: A boom for mounting to an agricultural sprayer comprises an elongate frame supporting a plurality of liquid application devices, liquid delivery means connected to the application devices, and an elongate tray attached to, and extending along, the boom. The tray is movable between a first position in which the tray extends substantially horizontally beneath one or more of the application devices to prevent material from leaking onto the ground below, and a second position in which the tray is located clear of delivery paths of the liquid application devices.

Abstract: An electronic rodent trap and monitoring method is provided. Each trap has at least one entrance, and preferably two entrances in opposed relationship to create a longitudinal tunnel, with a pair of lower plates extending longitudinally and oriented in spaced substantially parallel relationship, and a triggering element, such as a third plate, positioned above the lower plates, and preferably adjacent the ceiling of the trap on a center baffle that also shields a bait cup. The trap is activated when the rodent, with its left and right feet on the parallel lower plates, which are preferably raised above the floor, contacts the triggering element on the center baffle. The trap is preferably modular in design with an electronics module and a tunnel module removably secured within and protected by an outer housing. The trap also has improved features for more accurate remote monitoring of rodent dispatch and kill verification.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a feral hog control system including bait comprising a carrier material and an amount of warfarin, wherein the amount of warfarin is not greater than about 0.01% by weight of the bait. Further disclosed herein are embodiments of a selective access device for permitting selective access to the bait when the bait is disposed within a feeder.

Abstract: A pest deterrent system including at least one processing device that determines a presence of a pest in accordance with sensor data from at least one sensor, determines a deterrent strategy, causes at least one deterrent to be activated in accordance with the deterrent strategy, monitors a response of the pest to the activated deterrent in accordance with sensor data from at least one sensor, and selectively modifies the deterrent strategy in accordance with the response of the pest.

Abstract: An inlet air filtration unit for a gas turbine includes an inlet filter house having an upstream surface through which air is ingested. A plurality of weather hoods is secured to the upstream surface. A wave-generating system is installed on or proximate to the plurality of weather hoods, the wave-generating system emitting waves that deter pests from the inlet filter house. A method of deterring pests from entering an inlet filter house of an inlet air filtration system is also provided. The method includes: installing a wave-generating system proximate to or on a weather hood on an upstream surface of the inlet filter house; and energizing the wave-generating system to produce energy waves across the upstream surface of the inlet filter house.

Abstract: An animal monitoring station comprises a housing, a bait receptacle, a camera, a scale, and a grid. The housing comprises a chamber; and at least one port configured to allow an animal: free ingress to the chamber; and free egress to the chamber. The bait receptacle is disposed inside the chamber. The camera is disposed in the chamber. The scale is disposed in a field of view of the camera. A grid is disposed in the field of view.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to counteracting environmental threat conditions. At least two unmanned air vehicle (UAV) drones are deployed to a target location, the target location being associated with a species. At least one robot is deployed to the target location, wherein the at least one robot mimics an appearance of the species. Sensor data is collected from the at least two UAV drones. The sensor data is analyzed to determine whether a threat condition exists. In response to a determination of the threat condition, the at least one robot is repositioned to counteract the threat condition.

Abstract: A floating duck decoy system is provided that facilitates the deployment and retrieval of the duck decoys by automated robots with position and touch sensing capabilities. The robots can be freely arranged and repositioned through user manipulation and computer control. The automated robots allow the duck decoys to mimic swarm behavior, where movement and interaction of groups of animals operate according to simple rules. Therefore, nonlinear spread formations provide more realistic movement of the duck decoys.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for preserving avulsed teeth and/or explanted tissue. The disclosed methods for preserving avulsed teeth and/or explanted tissue typically include placing the avulsed teeth and/or explanted tissue in a preservation solution comprising at least about 2.75 g/L sugar. Suitable explanted tissues for the disclosed methods may include explanted tissues comprising fibroblasts, such as dental tissue and/or oral tissue. The preservation solution of the disclosed preservation methods may include additional components which may include but are not limited to inorganic salts, amino acids, vitamins, and buffering agents. The preservation solution may be prepared from a powder formulation having a long shelf-life.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing sialidase activity and inhibiting bacterial proliferation of one or more bacteria in a platelet product preparation from one or more donors. In general, the method includes contacting the platelet product preparation with an amount of a sialidase inhibitor, to thereby obtain a sialidase inhibitor-treated platelet product preparation. Sialidase activity is reduced and the proliferation of one or more bacteria is inhibited, as compared to a platelet product preparation not subjected to the sialidase inhibitor treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to ex-vivo organ care. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to maintaining an organ ex-vivo at near-physiologic conditions.

Abstract: In one representative embodiment, a method of perfusing organs in a patient's body is provided. The method comprises isolating the visceral arteries and the visceral veins from blood circulating through the patient's heart and perfusing the visceral arteries, the visceral veins, and the abdominal organs with a perfusion fluid that is fluidly separated from the blood circulating through the patient's heart. While the visceral arteries and the visceral veins are isolated, and the visceral arteries, the visceral veins, and the abdominal organs are being perfused, the patient's blood is allowed to continue to circulate through the heart.

Abstract: Described herein are nucleic acid-peptide capsule complexes or nanoparticles comprising pre-formed peptide capsules and nucleic acids bound the exterior surface of the capsule, such that the wrap around the capsule membrane. The peptide capsules comprise bilayer membrane defining a liquid-receiving interior space and comprises a plurality of branched, amphipathic peptides. Method of making and using such complexes for delivering nucleic acids in vivo and in vitro are also described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of an aqueous pesticide dispersion comprising the steps of: a) dissolving a pesticidal active ingredient in a water miscible organic solvent to obtain a pesticide solution; b) mixing the pesticide solution with water in the presence of surface active agents to form aqueous pesticide dispersion. This invention further discloses a method for controlling pests comprising of diluting the aqueous pesticide dispersion of the present invention in water to obtain diluted aqueous pesticide dispersions and applying an effective amount of said diluted dispersion to a site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production method of an antimicrobial cellulosic fiber which includes the following steps: A, preparing a reactive antibacterial compound: B, preparing an antimicrobial cellulosic fiber: B1, chemical immobilization: B2, processing the structural body by a metal promoter or a heat treatment to stabilize it, and obtain an antimicrobial cellulosic fiber. In the present invention, a reactive antibacterial compound is prepared by a reaction of a reactive compound and an antibacterial agent, the reactive antibacterial compound is chemically immobilized to the cellulosic fiber through the chemical bonds between the reactive compound and the cellulosic fiber, so that the structure of the cellulosic fiber is more stable.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an antimicrobial coating on a surface, a method for preparing and uses of the same. In particular it relates to a process for preparing an antimicrobial coating on a surface, the process comprising the steps of: a) providing a surface; b) coating a metal oxide or a metal hydroxide on the surface in the presence of a solvent in a hydrothermal synthesis step to form a coated surface having a plurality of nanostructures; c) optionally drying the coated surface, wherein said nanostructure is preferably in nanopillar structure. The coating of the present application exhibits excellent antimicrobial activity against different types of microorganism, such as bacteria and yeast. The nanostructures are able to exert stress to the microorganism, and therefore controlling or killing them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a metal oxide/metal composite, comprising depositing a metal oxide from a dispersion in a liquid on a metal surface; or depositing a metal oxide in the presence of a metal from a dispersion in a liquid on a substrate; or depositing a metal oxide from a metal salt solution on a metal substrate. The metal oxide/metal composites obtained by the process show synergistic antimicrobial activity due to release of high concentrations of redox active species (ROS) at the metal oxide/metal heterojunction. The invention also relates to use of the metal oxide/metal composite as an antimicrobial coating.

Abstract: A method of effecting at least one biological process in a plant is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a part of a seed, a plant, or the locus thereof with a mixture comprising an agriculturally acceptable mixture of (i) complex polymeric polyhydroxy acids and (ii) a phytotoxic amount of one or more alkali (earth) salts and/or a synergistic amount of at least one source of an agriculturally acceptable transition metal ions.

Abstract: Provided are methods of treating water and inhibiting growth of a photosynthetic bacterium, such as cyanobacterium as well as composition-of-matters and devices for treating water. Also provided are methods of using phenylalanine structural analogues as herbicides and/or combining same with a glyphosate.

Abstract: A method of controlling a fungus infection in a plant susceptible to Botrytis infection is provided. The method comprising applying to the plant an effective amount of a phenylalanine or an analog thereof for controlling said fungus infection in the plant.

Abstract: Fungicidal mixtures comprising, as active components, 1) a pyridine-3-carboxamide Ia or a pyrazole-4-carboxamide Ib and 2) a fungicidal compound II selected from the following groups (a) ergosterol biosynthesis inhibitors; (b) strobilurines; (c) miscellaneous fungicides, methods for controlling harmful fungi using mixtures of carboxamide Ia or Ib and one fungicidal compound II, the use of a carboxamide Ia or Ib with one fungicidal compound II for preparing such mixtures, and also compositions and plant propagation material comprising such mixtures. The present invention further relates to a method for improving the health of plants by using the above mixtures.

Abstract: A synergistic aqueous wood preservative composition comprising a copper compound and penflufen. The copper compounds of the compositions of the invention may be soluble, partially solubilized or micronized particles. The penflufen of the compositions of the invention may be solubilized, emulsified or particulate. The wood preservative compositions of the present invention are surprisingly provided as stable dispersions and confer surprising and unexpected resistance to treated wood and wood products.

Abstract: A synergistic aqueous wood preservative composition comprising a copper compound and penflufen. The copper compounds of the compositions of the invention may be soluble, partially solubilized or micronized particles. The penflufen of the compositions of the invention may be solubilized, emulsified or particulate. The wood preservative compositions of the present invention are surprisingly provided as stable dispersions and confer surprising and unexpected resistance to treated wood and wood products.

Abstract: A synergistic aqueous wood preservative composition comprising a copper compound and penflufen. The copper compounds of the compositions of the invention may be soluble, partially solubilized or micronized particles. The penflufen of the compositions of the invention may be solubilized, emulsified or particulate. The wood preservative compositions of the present invention are surprisingly provided as stable dispersions and confer surprising and unexpected resistance to treated wood and wood products.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antimicrobial composition for coating surfaces that enables a reduction of up to one hundred percent of the microbial activity on any type of frequently used substrate or surface, comprising a compound of micronized high-purity metallic copper particles. Moreover, a process for preparing the composition is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for preventing biofilm formation on a surface. The present disclosure also relates to anti-biofilm forming agents, to methods of producing and using them, and to anti-fouling coatings produced therefrom.